When you say chimney sweep, images of guys covered in black soot and Mary Poppins come to mind and the sweeping of chimneys is an ancient profession. However, in these days of central heating having replaced coal and wood fires in most homes, chimney sweeps have adapted accordingly.
One of the main areas they have to work on are old-fashioned fireplaces that are fast becoming the must have centrepiece of many homes. Not only that, they add the practicality of an extra heat source in winter and they function even if the electricity doesn't.
Therefore the modern job of the chimney sweep is defined as aiding the prevention of chimney fires and reducing the risk of dangerous fume emissions due to blocked heating appliances, flue ways and chimneys'.
DIY Chimney sweep?
The idea behind cleaning the chimney seems simple enough but the reason chimney sweeps have been around since the 1600s and are still going strong is that it isn't as easy as it looks. It is possible in some places to rent a DIY chimney vacuum cleaner but this is best used on new chimneys that haven't seen an accumulation of materials over a period of time. Otherwise, the best bet is to get a professional in on the job.
It is also possible to buy a chemical that can be added to a fire to create gases. These gases break down the soot un the chimneys to avoid them having to be manually cleaned but be warned they do so by bringing down the deposits and the only way out of the chimney is into your living room!
When to sweep
How often your chimney needs to be swept is mainly dictate by the type of fuel used, how much it is used and the type of chimney you have. A general guideline is:
- Smokeless fuel once a year
- Wood every three months when in use
- Bituminous coal every three months when in use
- Oil once a year
- Gas once a year
It is also important that the chimney has a number of tests conducted to ensure it is doing all of the aspects of its job. For example, it will need to be tested for smoke integrity to ensure there are no cracks or faults through which fumes can escape. It also needs to be tested to see where the dangerous gases are going, to ensure they can't leak back into the house.
In older houses, other issues that need to be regularly checked include debris that might have dropped into the chimney, bird's nests being built in awkward spots and the deterioration of mortar joints and brickwork. This latter area can be serious as if it isn't dealt with, it could even lead to the collapse of the chimney.
Even if you have a chimney that isn't in use, it pays to have its integrity checked periodically. While escaping gases or soot isn't such a problem when not in use, the damage caused by a falling chimney can be significant. It also means that the roof will have a hole in it where water can get in, never a good situation.
Cleaning guttering
The good news is that cleaning guttering is a job many people can do themselves. The best time to clean gutters is October when trees are shedding leaves at their peak. Prior to this, keep a watch out for any signs of water running where it shouldn't be as this could be a sign of problems that will need to be remedied for the approaching winter.
Only go up ladders if you are confident in doing so and make sure someone is around to keep watch at the bottom for you. Take a garden trowel up with you and use it to scoop out the decaying leaves and other wet rubbish that will accumulate in any gutter. Work in the direction away from any down pipes so not to put rubbish into it.
Don't take a rubbish bag up there with you as this can alter your balance and lead to an accident. Just have a garden bin or a wheelbarrow below where you can drop the rubbish.
Once all the debris is cleared, go back up with the hosepipe and, setting it to a gentle spray setting, give everything a hose down. This will clean any residue left from the debris and any spores from moss or other nasty invaders.
When it comes to downpipes, a plumber's snake or an extendable drainage rod is the best way to dislodge anything caught. You work from the top and push the rod down the pipe. Make sure you have the drain covered at the bottom so that the debris doesn't go into it and clog the drain instead.
While you are cleaning, watch out for any signs of sagging guttering or any brackets that are snapping. This is a good time to make sure the guttering is at full strength, ready to cope with the worst the winter weather has to offer.
Conclusion
Some maintenance jobs we can do around the house and others should only be attempted by an expert. While gutter management can be done with a few simple tools and a good ladder, a well-used chimney needs the tender care of an expert to get the best job done.